Tory Historian has already attended a bonfire and fireworks event and can report with some disgust that there was no Guy on the fire. This is a relatively new development as for many years this particular bonfire did have a Guy and one year the fireworks culminated in a picture of Guido Fawkes himself slowly disappearing.

Why so many of these events have abandoned any historical link to the festivities is a mystery. Some people consider it to be the result of political correctness.

Tory Historian thinks it has more to do with the curious development that is unique to Britain whereby all celebrations, all entertainments have been separated or are being separated from their meaning, historical, social or simply seasonal.

This does not work with the celebrations that the various ethnic minorities have, no matter how hard people like Mayor Livingstone try but otherwise it has taken hold. Nothing needs to have a reason any more.

There is nothing like this anywhere in the world, not in Europe, not in Asia, not in America; developed and industrial countries retain their knowledge of history and traditions. Why is Britain the exception? Why are people satisfied with amusing themselve to death?

Then again, the tale of the Catholic Plot, the attempted terrorist outrage, the arrest of the plotters, their torture, confession and horrific execution is a strange and grisly event to celebrate.

Remember, remember,The fifth of November,Gunpowder, treason and plot.I see no reasonWhy gunpowder treasonShould ever be forgot.

And there is no reason. Grisly and unpleasant but part of our history.

Hello, I'm not sure if you are up-to-date on current American politics, but there is a political movement surrounding presidential candidate Ron Paul and the gunpowder treason. He is one of the few candidates that wants to return to a strict-constructionists style of government. He has been using the gunpowder plot, and the plotters message of freedom, to raise millions of dollars. Particularly on November 5th of this year, when he held a fund raiser. Anyway, i thought it was interesting how a part of British history could be used to benefit a candidate in America. Please take a look at my current perspective on politics in general on my blog. I hope you enjoy & please give me some feedback. I would greatly appreciate it.